6 Best Practices and Tips for Canva Presentation Design

Key Concepts

1. Consistency in Design
2. Visual Hierarchy
3. Whitespace Utilization
4. Typography Choices
5. Image Quality and Relevance
6. Interactive Elements

Consistency in Design

Consistency in design ensures that all elements of your presentation, such as colors, fonts, and layouts, are uniform. This creates a cohesive and professional look. Use Canva's Brand Kit to maintain consistency across all slides.

Imagine consistency as the thread that holds a quilt together. Each patch (slide) should share the same thread (design elements) to create a unified and beautiful quilt (presentation).

Visual Hierarchy

Visual hierarchy refers to the arrangement of elements in a way that guides the viewer's eye to the most important information first. Use size, color, and placement to create a clear hierarchy. For example, make your main points larger and more prominent than supporting details.

Think of visual hierarchy as a roadmap. Just as a roadmap guides you through a journey, visual hierarchy guides your audience through your presentation, ensuring they understand the key points first.

Whitespace Utilization

Whitespace, or negative space, is the area around and between the elements of your design. Proper use of whitespace can make your presentation more readable and less cluttered. Avoid overcrowding your slides with too much text or imagery.

Consider whitespace as the breathing room in a conversation. Just as pauses in speech allow for comprehension, whitespace in design allows for clarity and focus.

Typography Choices

Typography choices, including font type, size, and spacing, play a crucial role in readability and aesthetic appeal. Use a maximum of two to three fonts per presentation and ensure they complement each other. Avoid using overly decorative fonts for body text.

Think of typography as the voice of your presentation. Just as a clear and engaging voice conveys a message effectively, well-chosen typography enhances the readability and impact of your content.

Image Quality and Relevance

High-quality images that are relevant to your content can significantly enhance your presentation. Use Canva's library of premium images or upload your own. Ensure images are clear, appropriately sized, and directly related to your message.

Imagine images as the illustrations in a storybook. Just as illustrations enrich a story, high-quality and relevant images enrich your presentation, making it more engaging and memorable.

Interactive Elements

Interactive elements, such as animations, transitions, and clickable links, can make your presentation more dynamic and engaging. Use these elements sparingly to avoid overwhelming your audience. For example, use a subtle animation to reveal bullet points one by one.

Think of interactive elements as the surprises in a performance. Just as surprises keep the audience engaged, well-placed interactive elements keep your viewers interested and involved.